This novel is difficult to summarize. Ruth at the age of 16 is pregnant. Her mother, Edith, tries to keep her in her bedroom so no one knows of this, but Ruth escapes. She gives birth to a daughter, Ori. Ruth has always been captivated by an island her neighbors visit every summer. One day when Ori is young they go visit the island, and that is the last time Ori sees her mother.

Long Wave is a powerful novel. Daisy Johnson describes the demanding and difficult job of being a single mother. Long Wave is not an easy read-assorted characters head different chapters describing different eras and events. However, I would recommend it to anyone who wants a wonderfully written book that many readers will continue to think about long after finishing it.